5 Easy Steps to Teaching Your Child a Second Language
Teaching a child a second language can be an immensely rewarding experience, and can open their young minds to a whole new world of sights and sounds. Even if youre not entirely fluent in another tongue, here are five simple ways you can help your child learn to speak a second language confidently and easily.
1.If you can, start early. The sooner the better. By the age of two, a childs brain is sucking up and processing all the information he or she comes in contact with, so its an ideal time to start learning a second language. You may think, But he hasnt even mastered ENGLISH yet! Thats okay! Believe it or not, children can easily juggle two (or more) languages at once without the difficulty that their adult counterparts may have if they try to learn the same language when theyre older. Learning two separate languages will also not hinder your childs reading or speaking ability. In fact, it will actually improve and broaden their vocabulary as they get older, since many foreign language words are used in English as well.
2.Just like with learning English, start your child out on simple words and basic greetings. Learning a language does take time and repetition, so only move on when your child feels comfortable and confident in using what he or she has already learned. If youre not completely fluent yourself, but still want your child to have the benefit of a second language, purchase a good dictionary and work book to reinforce what you already know so that you can teach it to your child.
3.Set aside a special Language-Only time. Practice the language together with your child through music, books or videos and use this time to speak and play together using only the second language. Its a great way to build up the childs interest in another culture and will help him learn the language more completely and thoroughly.
4.If your significant other speaks a foreign language, consider having him or her speak only in the foreign language to the child, while you speak to them in English. This will quickly help the child understand each languages structure and differences, and he wont be as likely to get confused. Remember though, language learning is a slow by steady process. Let your child know not to worry about making a mistake or sounding silly. Thats the only way he or she will become confident enough to speak the language on a regular basis.
5.Whenever possible, immerse your child in the second language as often as you can. Taking trips to the place where the language is spoken is a great way to make a language feel real to a child. Children mimic what they see, so seeing others speak and use the language in their day-to-day lives will show him that he can do the same!
Above all, treat learning a second language like a fun adventure rather than a tedious chore. If you keep these tips in mind, it wont be long before your child is equally comfortable and proficient in both languages! Good luck!
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